Let Us Out of Here!

I was really hoping to have the posts all caught up by the new year or shortly after. That just didn't happen. And we are still reeling trying to catch up! Here is just a little bit of why... So last week was week one of back to school. We lasted two days. A non-threatening snow storm started Tuesday night and the general public freaked out and started closing schools right and left - including preschools. (Oh, and this added to the 15 inches we still have on the ground from the Christmas Eve storm.) We really were not all that upset about not having to get out because along with the snow came plummeting temps. For instance, this past Friday we had a high of 0. A high. 0. So, three days without school or having to get out of the house was actually appreciated. We actually survived quite well and didn't even have to turn to the TV for help. We played lots of games, did some art projects, read lots and lots of books. I even got Noah to work on his writing. Almost willingly. And that NEVER happens. (His favorite was this last page. He didn't ask for a single clue as to what letter he needed, although he did need help remembering what a 'G' looked like. Have to admit I am pretty proud of him. If he ever figures out how close he is to reading, the kid is going to be unstoppable.) We even got the Christmas stuff put away. Noah was a huge help, surprisingly, and I am sure that it had nothing to do with the fact that that meant we got to get out the bouncer - inside! It was all good. Well, until the cold set in. THE cold. Noah started getting a little stuffed up on Wednesday. Abby caught it next and Friday morning found us at the doctor's office with a double ear infection. Daddy came home from work on Friday all stuffed up. Benjamin fell victim on Saturday. I thought I was going to escape unscathed. With the whole house down, I was even able to throw together this quilt. Two days? No way. But it was not meant to be. So, Noah was cleared for school on Monday but by Monday night it was clear the house was nothing but one big germ. The ship was going down and we were all on board. In its honor, today was an official Sick Day. Even daddy stayed home - and that never happens. Oh, and when mommy and daddy are down, the TV comes on. For all of us. There is just too much coughing and nose dripping going on. What I wouldn't give to be able to open all the doors and windows to air this place out!! But instead, we'll just keep the kleenex and cough drops close by as we put on sweatshirts. Take off sweatshirts. Cover up. Turn on a fan. Drink lots of water. Have some toast. Well, you get the picture. So, maybe someday in the near future we will be up and running in real time again. Until then, we will be using up all available cans of Lysol...